Performance & Direction: A Desperate Chance for Ellery Queen Review
Last updated: February 4, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is A Desperate Chance for Ellery Queen (1942) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Mystery.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Mystery is often anchored by its ensemble, and A Desperate Chance for Ellery Queen features a noteworthy lineup led by William Gargan . Supported by the likes of Margaret Lindsay and John Litel , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: A Desperate Chance for Ellery Queen
Quick Plot Summary: A Desperate Chance for Ellery Queen is a Mystery film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: A Desperate Chance for Ellery Queen
Ending Breakdown: A Desperate Chance for Ellery Queen attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to mystery resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the mystery themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of A Desperate Chance for Ellery Queen reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch A Desperate Chance for Ellery Queen?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Mystery films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: A Desperate Chance for Ellery Queen
All Cast & Crew →
A Desperate Chance for Ellery Queen Parents Guide & Age Rating
1942 AdvisoryWondering about A Desperate Chance for Ellery Queen age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of A Desperate Chance for Ellery Queen is 70 minutes (1h 10m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.7/10, and global performance metrics, A Desperate Chance for Ellery Queen is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1942 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Desperate Chance for Ellery Queen worth watching?
A Desperate Chance for Ellery Queen is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Mystery movies. It has a verified rating of 5.7/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find A Desperate Chance for Ellery Queen parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for A Desperate Chance for Ellery Queen identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of A Desperate Chance for Ellery Queen?
The total duration of A Desperate Chance for Ellery Queen is 70 minutes, which is approximately 1h 10m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked A Desperate Chance for Ellery Queen
How A Desperate Chance for Ellery Queen Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for A Desperate Chance for Ellery Queen
No reviews found for this filter.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
More with William Gargan
View full filmography
Part of the Ellery Queen Collection
Explore the full watch order, ratings, and collection details.
View Full Franchise